St. Andrew is a Stephen Ministry congregation. That means that our congregation equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
While our pastors will always be there, there are times when a trained Stephen Minister can provide more on-going needs than a pastor is able to effectively give by themselves. Stephen Ministers may make regular visits to the lonely, visit at the hospital or offer support and encouragement in a crisis. The Stephen Minister is someone who “will be there” for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for as long as there is a need.
What are some of the challenges you may be facing? A Stephen Minister could walk with you through one of these situations:
- Loss of a loved one
- Illness
- Divorce or separation
- Loneliness or discouragement
- Spiritual crisis
- Unemployment or job crisis
- Incarceration
- Aging
- Birth, adoption, miscarriage or infertility
- Relocation
- Recovery after an accident or disaster
- and many more
If you or someone you know needs the caring concern of a Stephen Minister, contact one of our pastors.
Or if you would like to become a Stephen Minister, contact Stephen Leader Bill Putnam.